KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is considering introducing an adopt-a-clinic programme, among strategies being considered for the strengthening of primary health care services.

A Cabinet Agenda Issues Ministry Paper tabled recently in Parliament, stated that a report from the Ministry of Health has advised of strategies proposed for the continued strengthening of the primary health care services.

These include: the commissioning of a review of the health care system funded by the World Bank; continued investment in primary health care; and development of the adopt-a-clinic programme.

The Ministry Paper said that the report outlined the components and operational arrangements, with respect to the programme under which:

(1) The private sector locally and in the Diaspora would be engaged in a more critical role to improve the performance of the public sector health system, by way of financial support or gift of services through public/private initiatives and volunteerism;

(2) Persons, groups or organisations would be invited to adopt-a-clinic;

(3) One hundred health centres have already been identified island-wide for improvement under the programme; and

(4) The Health for Life Wellness Foundation Limited would be the coordinating body and responsible for public/private engagements and volunteerism.

The report also advised of a worldwide recognition of primary health care as one of the key components of an effective health system, as well as activities undertaken to strengthen and invigorate the primary health care programme, in keeping with the strategic objectives of the Vision 2030 Development Plan.

Balford Henry